Join TwelfthMan now!

RSS feeds from ecb.co.uk

Mushtaq offers England extra help

Mushtaq Ahmed will be on hand to assist England's spinners this year after cutting short his Sussex stint

Mushtaq Ahmed will take up a more permanent coaching role with England this summer after being released from his part-time contract at Sussex.

The former Pakistan leg-spinner was due to combine his duties as England spin bowling coach with a similar role at Hove, but Sussex have agreed to a request from the ECB to allow Mushtaq to spend more time with the national side.

Sussex professional cricket manager Mark Robinson said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Mushtaq, but also for England to have a man of his experience and knowledge working full-time.

“We are pleased to help out England. If Sussex can do anything that helps England’s chances of winning the Ashes, we are more than happy to oblige.”

Mushtaq was recruited by England following his retirement from playing towards the end of last season, and spent time with the squad in the Caribbean and during the recent Test and one-day series against West Indies on home soil.

Based in Sussex, the 38-year-old will be free to offer his expertise to his former county when his England commitments allow.

He will lend Sussex a hand during this week's Twenty20 Cup games, before linking up with England for the World Twenty20 starting next Friday.